It is with heartfelt sorrow, but with the appreciation of a life well-lived, that we announce the passing of Geoffrey (Geoff) Charles Kubrick on March 29, 2020 in his 65th year. Adored husband and best friend of Kelly (nee Cook) since their storied blind date in 2003. Geoff was the deeply proud father of Nathalie Batten, Alexandre Kubrick and Samuel Kubrick. Loving Grand-papa of JJ and Annabelle (Batten), son of Marion and the late David Kubryk, and brother of Gillian Kubryk and Giselle Kubryk.
Geoff graduated from Carleton University in 1979, and began his career as a statistician. After a fateful parking ticket, he proceeded to argue his way through law school, graduating from the University of Ottawa in 1986 as what he called “an aging rookie”.
In 1993, he and his ‘brother in Law’, Michael Flavell formed their boutique international trade law firm in Ottawa. Well-known for punching above their weight, both Flavell and Kubrick created a big splash by making tradition, generosity and fun a large part of their brand.
As one of the most respected trade lawyers in Canada, Geoff headed the International Trade Group at McMillan LLP for the past 15 years. Over his career, Geoff made significant contributions both to the development of the Canadian trade bar, and to Canadian trade law. An impressively large number of successful Canadian trade lawyers can trace their roots back to Geoff’s formative influence. As counsel in over 100 trade cases, Geoff set key legal precedents and helped establish many of today’s practices.
Famed for his facility with numbers and movie-themed legal arguments, the joy he brought to his work was evident. Geoff regularly performed his victory marches around the office with his hands raised in the air to celebrate a win. Everybody loved and looked forward to them, and there were many.
Geoff treasured his times with his Nath (“ma chouette”), Alex and Sam, lovingly referred to his as his “babies”. A sports fan extraordinaire, at 49, he became an avid downhill skier, particularly embracing its après-ski aspects. A loyal fan of the Ottawa Senators, Geoff had season’s tickets from their first season in 1992. Fans could always hear his distinctive bellow as he berated players, refs or coaches – and he could be heard from anywhere in the arena.
Geoff’s life was enriched in countless ways when Kelly came into his life. Always an enthusiastic traveler, his irrepressible grin shines from countless photos of his and Kelly’s trips together. All of life’s adventures with him assumed great wine, delicious meals, endless humour, laughter and deep love.
He leaves us all with extraordinary memories of his intellect, voracious reading interests, wit, warmth and laughter, which will live on, warming our hearts for years to come.
We are grateful, and express our heartfelt thanks, to the many compassionate caregivers who flanked him in his battle with cancer. For those wishing to honour Geoff’s memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to May Court Hospice, the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre or The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
All will be welcome to join us virtually on Sunday, August 29th, 2021 to celebrate the life of Geoff Kubrick.
Digital Guestbook
Barb Groot and Russ Knight
Rosanne Kang Jovanovski
Sending our deepest condolences. Michael and I wish we could be there to honour Geoff in person. I am sending our love to the whole family and will always remember Geoff’s amazing smile and hearty exuberance.
Sarah Hicks
Geoff was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed. My lasting mental image of Geoff is dancing his heart out with Kelly - loving life and each other. Love to you all . I am so profoundly sorry. Sarah
Sharon Groom
I only had the pleasure of working with Geoff for a few years but his enthusiasm and warmth were evident immediately and I was always glad when he popped in to my office to visit when he was in Toronto. We will miss him!
Cindy Clegg and David Gladders
Geoff – always funny, smart, and kind – our hearts are broken for Kelly, Nat, Alix and Sam.
Desmond Balakrishnan
Rest In Peace
François Tougas
Although I got to know Koobs through too few encounters, the ones we had tended toward the longer side, as our mutual affinity for stories kept us both engaged topping the other's reasons for regaling. He went on at some length about his experiences at StatsCan and the impact they had on his views of the economy, politicians and government labour. He could go on about work ethic and productivity, and did, in our last encounter in November 2019, where we spent perhaps four hours together. He carried on as if there was no tomorrow, which is a real testament to his outlook on life, rendered that much more philosophical by the circumstances of his health. We talked, however, more about family, comparing notes on grandchildren and children alike. We shared clients through the trade practice and by virtue of our length of time in practice and the travels through which our clients have taken us. Because he never had anything bad to say about anyone else, I took it that Geoff was much happier with his life than those who do, and the obituary above shows why. Condolences to the family. We're all the better to have been associated with him.
Gillian Flavell
That’s our Geoff in every word and every line. My dear friend and colleague for decades, my husband’s Partner “Brother in Law”, I have so many wonderful memories of him, far too many for here. Kelly, we were all lucky when you went on that blind date with Geoffie, a great friend to us all, and the best mate, in every sense, that you could be for Geoff. Shattered, will miss him so very much.
He’ll be arguing, in his outdoor voice, somewhere now, I think, and demanding something off menu....
With much love to Kelly and all the kids and family.
Smooches
Gillian
Patricia Haskins
Sorry for your loss. I met Goeff only once at my daughter's wedding to Scott Perdicou. Awesome personality
Susan Riedel Chad
My thoughts and prayers are with you Kelly and all of your loving family.
Deepest sympathies to all of Geoff’s family, personal and professional.